He's the safe hands behind Iran's Asian Cup quest whose rags-to-riches story turned him into a national hero -- now giant goalkeeper Alireza Beiranvand has become an internet smash.
Videos of the 26-year-old shot-stopper throwing the ball over 70 metres to a striker during Iran's clash with Iraq in Dubai went viral, while national coach Carlos Queiroz calls him the heartbeat of his title-chasing side.
"Ali is fantastic," Queiroz told AFP before Iran face Oman in the last 16 of the Asian Cup on Sunday.
"It's not only his size, it's his big heart."
"Ali has this amazing spirit, we love him. He's also a wonderful boy and a great personality -- apart from being a good goalkeeper with a great throw, he can also sing!"
- 'Iranian Messi' -
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